The Silent Epidemic: Why Mental Health Must Become a Public Health Priority in India
Mental Health Beyond the Individual: A Global Development Challenge
Behind every statistic on mental health is a child struggling to learn, a young adult navigating uncertainty, a professional experiencing burnout, or an older person facing loneliness and declining health. Over 30% of older adults (60 and above) in India report depressive symptoms. A large number live with dementia. Scientific surveys have helped us infer certain realities about the aged: There is a rise in nuclear families that has resulted in greater number of elderly living alone, without the support of their children. When young people migrate, the elderly are left alone. They are more vulnerable to loneliness, depression, abuse and isolation. According to UNICEF’s State of the World’s Children 2021, mental health touches every stage of life, influencing not only individual well-being but also the strength of families, communities, and economies. According to the World Health Organization’s World Mental Health Report (2022), nearly one in eight people globally lives with a mental health condition. It remains one of the most overlooked public health priorities of the current decade.
India’s Growing Mental Health Burden
Mental Health Across the Life Course
Young People
What the data says
UNICEF's State of the World's Children 2021 report on mental health states that 1 in 4 young Indians is estimated to experience a mental health condition. 14% of those aged 15–24 years frequently report feeling depressed or losing interest in daily activities.
Mental health challenges during adolescence and early adulthood can affect education, employment, and lifelong well-being.
Older Adults
What the data says
As discussed in Ageing in India: Challenges and Opportunities , nearly 30% of older adults exhibit depressive symptoms, while around 8% are likely to be living with major depression.
Mental well-being is essential for healthy ageing, independence, and quality of life.
People Living with Severe Mental Illness
What the data says
According to the National Mental Health Survey of India (2015–16) , 3 in 4 individuals with severe mental disorders experience significant disability affecting work, relationships and daily functioning.
The burden extends beyond individuals to families and caregivers, impacting social and economic well-being.
India's Economy
What the data says
According to the World Health Organization , mental health conditions are projected to cost over USD 1 trillion between 2012–2030.
Mental health is both a healthcare priority and an economic development imperative.
Mental health is a silent epidemic affecting every stage of life—from young people entering adulthood to older adults navigating healthy ageing. Its impact extends beyond healthcare, influencing education, workforce productivity, family well-being, and India’s economic development.
India’s Response to Building a Stronger Mental Health Ecosystem
- Policy Initiatives: India has laid a strong foundation through initiatives such as the Mental Healthcare Act 2017, the National Mental Health Programme, and Tele-MANAS, led by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. As highlighted in the World Health Organization’s World Mental Health Report (2022) and discussed by Mahapatra, P., & Seshadri, S. (2024) , the next step is to integrate mental health across primary healthcare, schools, workplaces, and healthy ageing programmes, while strengthening the mental health workforce and expanding equitable access in underserved regions.
-
Infrastructure Development: According to the
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
:
- 47 Postgraduate Departments in mental health have been established or upgraded in 19 government medical colleges. Services are also being introduced in 22 newly established AIIMS.
-
47 Government-run mental hospitals, including three Central Mental Health Institutions:
- National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru
- Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Regional Institute of Mental Health, Tezpur
- Central Institute of Psychiatry, Ranchi
- Integration of mental health services into Ayushman Bharat – Health & Wellness Centres (HWCs).
- Digital Innovation: Digital platforms such as Tele-MANAS demonstrate how technology can bridge treatment gaps. Expanding tele-mental health, digital screening tools, and integrated referral systems can make care more accessible, responsive, and people-centred, in line with the World Mental Health Report (2022) . The World Health Organization has recognised Tele-MANAS as an innovative model, responding to more than 34 lakh calls till March 2026, as per the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
Community Involvement: Lasting improvements in mental health require action beyond the healthcare system. The World Health Organization and UNICEF emphasise that reducing stigma, improving mental health literacy, supporting caregivers, and strengthening community-based interventions across schools, workplaces, and older adult care are essential to encourage early help-seeking and build resilient communities.
Way Forward
Mental health is no longer solely a healthcare concern—it has become a public health, social, and economic imperative. By strengthening policy, embracing innovation, and empowering communities, India can build a resilient mental health ecosystem that supports well-being across the life course and advances healthier, more inclusive, and productive communities.
References
- World Health Organization. World Mental Health Report: Transforming Mental Health for All (2022)
- World Health Organization. Child and Adolescent Mental Health
- World Health Organization (India). Mental Health
- UNICEF India. The State of the World’s Children 2021: Mental Health
- National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS). National Mental Health Survey of India, 2015–16
- Mahapatra, P., & Seshadri, S. (2024). Mental health in India: Evolving strategies, initiatives, and prospects. The Lancet Regional Health – Southeast Asia.
- Pandey, K. N. (2025). Mental Health and Indian Youth. International Journal of Indian Psychology.
- Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Tele-MANAS Initiative
- Sankala Foundation.Ageing in India: Challenges and Opportunities. New Delhi: Sankala Foundation, 2025.
- Patel M, Mantri N, Joshi N, (2024). Is anxiety a public health problem among older adults in India? Results from a systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care.
